“We’re Real Madrid” – Alvaro Arbeloa issues battle cry to squad ahead of Manchester City showdown | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a passionate battle cry when speaking to the media ahead of his side’s Champions League last-16 first-leg against Manchester City.

The 43-year-old, who took the reins at the Bernabéu in January 2026 following the departure of Xabi Alonso, faces what many will see as his biggest tactical test yet.

Despite a rocky domestic stretch that saw Los Blancos suffer defeats to Osasuna and Getafe, Arbeloa has stabilised the ship in European competition, navigating a tricky knockout playoff against Benfica to set up yet another clash for his club against Pep Guardiola’s side.

As the two giants prepare for their 16th meeting in Europe, the pressure on Arbeloa is immense amid early rumours regarding his long-term future and high-profile names like Jürgen Klopp remarkably linked to the post.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the last-16 first-leg against Manchester City, Alvaro Arbeloa insisted that while he and his team should ‘not feel inferior’ to any club in Europe, they are aware of the threat posed by Guardiola and the Catalan’s squad.

“We’re Real Madrid, we never feel less than anybody. We shouldn’t feel inferior to anybody,” insisted Arbeloa.

“We all know the opponent very well, the club, the coach [Pep Guardiola], the players. They were champions two years ago. But we go into it with a lot of excitement … Tomorrow we’ll play to win.”

Arbeloa Braces for Guardiola’s ‘Surprises’

On the subject of Guardiola’s tactical plans for the fixture, Arbeloa said, “[Pep] always has a surprise prepared.

“He’s a coach who, as much as you watch his teams, will have something different prepared, with the variations he’s capable of using. I’d be surprised if there weren’t some change in their structure, how they want to attack, or a player who hasn’t played recently.”

Mbappe Injury Update: Is the Frenchman Fit for the Bernabéu?

One player who has dominated the pre-match headlines through uncertainty surrounding his match fitness is Kylian Mbappe, and Arbeloa said of the French superstar, “[Mbappé] is much better.

“As I’ve said, it’s about going day by day, how he evolves, but this week has been very positive. He’s much better, so we’re expecting him back soon.”

While the news on Mbappé is positive, the 27-year-old forward remains a major doubt for the first leg, having missed Tuesday’s final training session at Valdebebas and with Arbeloa expected to rely on Vinicius Jr to lead the line.

Tactically, Arbeloa may have to decide whether to mirror Pep Guardiola’s predicted structured approach or stick to a direct, high-pressing system that earned Madrid a narrow victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday.

With the second leg set for the Etihad Stadium on March 17, securing a home advantage tonight is non-negotiable for a Real Madrid side that has seen its injury list – including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo – become a recurring hurdle.